How to Upgrade or Remove Your Outdated Home Intercom System

How to Remove or Replace Your Home's Old Intercom System

Does your home security system include an intercom system? While an intercom does add an extra layer of protection for you and your family, the technology has come a long way in a short period of time. If you still have an old intercom system in the house, it’s probably not meeting your current security needs. And a broken intercom is a common household electrical problem and can be an eyesore that serves no real purpose — other than detracting from the appearance of your property. Continue reading to learn some of our home intercom replacement ideas!

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Intercom Install Services

 

What Can You Do With an Old House Intercom System?

Your options for dealing with a broken or outdated intercom include the following:

  • Hide it: Keeping in mind the adage, “out of sight, out of mind,” the easiest, least costly and least time-consuming approach to dealing with an old intercom is to remove it from sight. You could conceal it with a hutch or picture, or if you’re feeling ambitious, you could paint over it so it blends with the rest of the room’s décor. If your system consists of multiple stations, finding the best concealment solution for each one can pose a bigger challenge. And while hiding your intercom will resolve the visibility issue, it won’t offer much in the way of protection.
  • Remove it: Another option is to physically remove the intercom system. Depending on the type of system, this can be a simple or much more complicated endeavor. For instance, if your intercom is the kind that plugs into a wall or operates via battery power, you could probably handle the task yourself, even if you have little technical expertise. A hardwired intercom poses a greater challenge, as the unit is likely integrated with your home’s electrical circuitry.
  • Replace it: If you still wish to enjoy the security benefits a home intercom provides, you can choose to replace your intercom system by upgrading to a more technologically advanced system. Replacing a home’s doorbell or existing intercom system and with a video intercom is a trend that is picking up some serious steam, especially in more urban areas. The latest products include innovative features, such as the combination of an audio component with live video streaming, enabling you to see as well as hear who is at your door. If you’re not familiar with the inner workings of a modern intercom system, consider enlisting the services of a professional to perform the installation for you. Our trained experts are happy to help you with your home intercom system replacement.

 

How to Remove an Old Intercom System From a House

To remove your house intercom system, there are some simple steps you can follow. The process will be different depending on the type of intercom system you have. To remove your system and any additional units, you can follow these steps:

1. Determine Your System Type

If you decide to remove your intercom system, you’ll first need to determine the system type. As mentioned, if you have a wireless intercom security system such as an AC or battery-powered system, the process involves unplugging the unit or removing the battery. In the latter situation, if taking out the battery does not disarm the intercom system, then you likely have a hardwired system that requires additional removal steps, which you’ll need a licensed electrician to complete.

2. Remove Your Main Unit

Remove Your Main Unit

First, make sure that the power is shut off if your system is hard-wired. To do so, turn the power off on the breaker box that’s connected to the room you are working in. Use a voltage meter to touch the wires behind the faceplate to make sure the power source is off.

Next, locate the screws that secure the mounting section of the main unit to the wall and remove them. For a plug-in or battery-operated unit, this is all you will need to do. A hardwired system will require some extra steps. 

A hardwired system’s faceplate will remain slightly attached to the wall with wires extending into the wall behind the mounting section of the unit. Disconnect these wires from the circuit breaker. Untwist the wires or use pliers to carefully cut them where they attach at the main unit. You can now remove the mounting bracket and faceplate. A small hole and the cut wires will remain on the wall. 

3. Close Up Any Holes in Your Wall

The intercom system removal may leave holes in the wall. If the holes are less than one and a half inches in diameter, you can putty over the opening, then cover the dried putty with paint. For larger holes, apply a plaster or drywall patch to provide a stable surface for the putty. Sand the dried putty and repaint to match the color of the room. Repeat the process for all connected intercom system stations in your home.

4. Remove Your Additional Units

Check your house for any additional receiver units so that you can remove them and close up any additional holes that they leave. To do so, repeat the two previous steps. If all of your units are hardwired, make sure that you turn the power off for each area before you begin to remove the units.

Home Electrical Installs

 

Home Intercom System Replacement Ideas

You have numerous choices if you choose to replace or convert an old intercom system. Examples include:

  • Intercom starter kit: If you want to upgrade or replace your current intercom and are happy with nothing more than a basic “no-frills” system that provides front-door security, an intercom starter kit consisting of a master station, weatherproof door station and AC transformer can provide a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution.
  • Wireless intercom with video: If you want the additional security an intercom with video can offer, a wireless system will “digitize” your door’s peephole. You’ll be able to view live video feeds from various locations inside your home.
  • Touchscreen video intercom: A touchscreen video intercom enables you to receive video at multiple monitor screens so you can see your visitors, as well as have the ability to buzz them in just by touching the screen. Many of these systems also include multiple alarm inputs that can be triggered to set off an alarm if an intruder attempts to enter your home.
  • Wireless DVR security camera with intercom: This type of system includes intercoms connected to indoor/outdoor cameras that provide images to an LCD monitor or even a television set. Many feature motion detection capabilities that will trigger the cameras to begin recording when they detect movement.
  • Replace an intercom system with speakers: If you’re an audiophile, replacing your old intercom system with high-quality speakers connected to a central sound system will allow you to enjoy your favorite music in targeted areas of your home.

How to Install An Intercom System

A traditional system will be hardwired into your home’s existing electrical circuitry. The number of substations needed will determine the project’s complexity, but the basic steps for installation is:

  • Cut holes for the master station
  • Cut holes for substations
  • Connect the master station
  • Run cable between the master station and substations
  • Connect substations
  • Complete master state install
  • Test the system

 

Home Intercom System Replacement in Westchester County, NY

Whether you’re looking to remove or replace an old intercom system in your house, the experts at Lippolis Electric can provide an effective, affordable solution. We’ve been proudly serving the electrical needs of homeowners in Westchester, Putnam and Duchess Counties for more than 30 years. Intercom systems are one of our specialties — you can count on us to remove an outdated or broken intercom or convert an old intercom system to a state-of-the-art model that will transform your home security process. We can also offer practical home intercom replacement ideas.

Our qualified technicians perform a wide range of electrical services to help you complete projects safely and efficiently. No job is too big or too small. Contact Lippolis Electric to explore all your home intercom system options and to receive a free project estimate today.

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